Poachers Brutally Remove Tusks from Domesticated Elephant in Assam Forest
In a chilling and brutal act of wildlife crime, poachers have mercilessly removed both tusks from a domesticated elephant named Mangal Singh. The horrific incident occurred in the Lakhipather forest area, which falls under the Digboi forest division of Tinsukia district in Assam, on the night of April 15.
Delayed Treatment and Widespread Outrage
The elephant, currently undergoing urgent veterinary care, was left bleeding for nearly three days before receiving authorized treatment. Forest officials located the injured animal on April 15, but official intimation only reached the division office the following day. Shockingly, proper veterinary care was not administered until April 17, exacerbating the creature's suffering.
The incident came to light on Sunday, sparking widespread public outrage and condemnation from wildlife activists across the region. This public outcry has prompted authorities to launch a high-level, comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Execution of the Crime and Investigation Details
According to mahout Latu Moran, the attackers are believed to have taken advantage of heavy rainfall during the night of April 15 to execute their operation. The poachers sawed off both tusks before fleeing the scene, leaving the elephant in severe distress.
The elephant, considered one of the oldest in the district, had been kept at the Lakhipather forest for grazing by its owner Hunjoy Duaniya when the miscreants struck. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sandeep Kumar stated that the case is being treated as a top priority due to the widespread public concern.
A formal case has been registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and authorities have assured a strong, result-oriented probe. Field teams have been deployed, and surveillance has been expanded in and around the Upper Dehing Reserve Forest as part of the investigation.
Interrogations and Allegations of Insider Nexus
As part of the ongoing investigation, the elephant's owner Hunjoy Duaniya and caretaker Latu Moran have been interrogated by authorities. However, no individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime at this time.
The incident has attracted sharp scrutiny from wildlife activists, with activist Debojit Moran alleging a possible insider nexus behind the crime. He raised critical questions about how such a brutal operation could be carried out deep inside a forest without anesthesia.
"Removing tusks from a live elephant deep inside the forest without anesthesia would be virtually impossible unless carried out by individuals familiar to the animal," Moran stated emphatically. "Both forest personnel and the elephant's owner must be held accountable and subjected to a rigorous investigation."
The case continues to develop as authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act against wildlife.
